UNC Hires Former Nuggets Coach Michael Malone

Malone takes over Tar Heels men's basketball program after decade-long tenure in Denver.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of light blue, white, and navy colors representing the University of North Carolina's team colors.Malone's move from the NBA to UNC's storied basketball program signals a new era for the Tar Heels.Denver Today

The University of North Carolina has hired Michael Malone, the winningest coach in Denver Nuggets history, as its next men's basketball head coach. Malone, 54, led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship during his 10-year tenure with the franchise. He will now take over the storied Tar Heels program, which has won six national titles, most recently in 2017.

Why it matters

Malone's hiring represents a significant shift in his coaching career, as he transitions from the NBA to the college ranks for the first time. The UNC job is considered one of the premier coaching positions in college basketball, and Malone's proven track record of success in the pros should make him an intriguing candidate to revive the Tar Heels program after a disappointing first-round NCAA Tournament exit last season.

The details

After being fired by the Nuggets three games before the 2025 playoffs, Malone has spent the past year working as a studio and color analyst for ESPN. He now takes over a UNC program that fired head coach Hubert Davis in March following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss as a No. 6 seed. Malone's daughter Bridget is a sophomore on the UNC volleyball team, which may have played a role in his decision to make the move to Chapel Hill.

  • Malone was fired by the Nuggets three games before the 2025 playoffs.
  • Malone has spent the past year working as a TV analyst for ESPN.
  • UNC fired head coach Hubert Davis in March 2026 after a first-round NCAA Tournament exit.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the UNC men's basketball team, who previously spent 10 seasons as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, where he led the team to their first NBA championship.

Bridget Malone

Michael Malone's daughter, who is a sophomore on the UNC volleyball team.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the UNC men's basketball team, who was fired in March 2026 after a first-round NCAA Tournament exit.

Roy Williams

The Naismith Hall of Fame coach who led UNC to six national championships, most recently in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“Ten years ago, I was presented with the incredible opportunity to be the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Little did I know the profound impact that would have on the next decade of my life.”

— Michael Malone, Former Nuggets Head Coach

What’s next

Malone will now begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to the UNC program, with the goal of returning the Tar Heels to national championship contention.

The takeaway

Malone's transition from the NBA to the college ranks represents a significant shift in his coaching career, as he takes over one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. His proven success in the pros, combined with UNC's storied history, could make the Tar Heels a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.